A low number of appointments at Orange Donor Centre over the Easter and Anzac Day holiday periods has prompted the Red Cross Blood Service to send a call out to the community, which Orange City and Orange Emus Rugby Clubs are throwing their support behind as well. The Red Cross Blood Service is urging any and all good eggs to come forward and donate at Orange Donor Centre between now and next Thursday, to bolster supplies for cancer and road trauma patients this Easter. "The need for blood never takes a break yet we know that donor numbers are traditionally low at around holiday period such as Easter," Red Cross Blood Services spokesperson John Feist said. "Some components of blood have a shelf life of only five days, so it's important that blood is donated before and immediately after the Easter break. "Back-to-back public holidays mean more donors are likely away on holidays, three public holidays in quick succession is a challenge for short-lived blood stocks. "Cancer patients in particular rely upon blood to help them through their chemotherapy treatment, as well as trauma patients who need it to survive major bleeding. "That's why we need ... Orange residents to make an appointment to give blood [through this period]." The push is actually part of a wider, national campaign through this holiday period, with the Red Cross Blood Service aiming for 4000 donations Australia-wide between Easter Saturday and Friday, April 26. With that in mind and the end of their annual Claret Cup blood donation challenge looming, Orange City and Emus are joining the Red Cross Blood Service in sending out a call to arms, in the hope they can provide a welcome boost in one of the most challenging times of year to collect donations. "We'd love to see all our players and supporters book in over the holiday period, both clubs want the Claret Cup to produce as many donors as possible but it's more about just getting people through the door in a time of need for the Red Cross," Emus club captain Matt Findlay said. "One donation can help save three lives, it takes no time at all and considering you don't really have to do anything it's a really easy way to make a tangible difference within the Orange community and beyond, and genuinely help people. The 2019 Claret Cup, the second edition, cracked 200 donations earlier in the week and the two clubs are on track to reach their goal of 250 total, which would equate to 700 lives saved, with the competition finishing on Sunday, May 5 before the first local derby of the Blowes Clothing Cup season the following Saturday. To donate or book an appointment, call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au.

Orange City and Orange Emus Rugby Clubs send out call to arms with Red Cross Blood Service in need of holiday donors

CALL TO ARMS: Orange City club captain Will Ryan donates blood, supported by Emus' Joel Urban, Matt Findlay and Harry Cummins and City's Paul Hepworth. The two clubs send out a call to arms for donors this week. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 1118jkblood1

A low number of appointments at Orange Donor Centre over the Easter and Anzac Day holiday periods has prompted the Red Cross Blood Service to send a call out to the community, which Orange City and Orange Emus Rugby Clubs are throwing their support behind as well.

The Red Cross Blood Service is urging any and all good eggs to come forward and donate at Orange Donor Centre between now and next Thursday, to bolster supplies for cancer and road trauma patients this Easter.

"The need for blood never takes a break yet we know that donor numbers are traditionally low at around holiday period such as Easter," Red Cross Blood Services spokesperson John Feist said.

"Some components of blood have a shelf life of only five days, so it's important that blood is donated before and immediately after the Easter break.

"Back-to-back public holidays mean more donors are likely away on holidays, three public holidays in quick succession is a challenge for short-lived blood stocks.

The need for blood never takes a break yet we know that donor numbers are traditionally low at around holiday period such as Easter.

Red Cross Blood Service spokesperson John Feist

"Cancer patients in particular rely upon blood to help them through their chemotherapy treatment, as well as trauma patients who need it to survive major bleeding.

"That's why we need ... Orange residents to make an appointment to give blood [through this period]."

The push is actually part of a wider, national campaign through this holiday period, with the Red Cross Blood Service aiming for 4000 donations Australia-wide between Easter Saturday and Friday, April 26.

With that in mind and the end of their annual Claret Cup blood donation challenge looming, Orange City and Emus are joining the Red Cross Blood Service in sending out a call to arms, in the hope they can provide a welcome boost in one of the most challenging times of year to collect donations.

"We'd love to see all our players and supporters book in over the holiday period, both clubs want the Claret Cup to produce as many donors as possible but it's more about just getting people through the door in a time of need for the Red Cross," Emus club captain Matt Findlay said.

"One donation can help save three lives, it takes no time at all and considering you don't really have to do anything it's a really easy way to make a tangible difference within the Orange community and beyond, and genuinely help people.

The 2019 Claret Cup, the second edition, cracked 200 donations earlier in the week and the two clubs are on track to reach their goal of 250 total, which would equate to 700 lives saved, with the competition finishing on Sunday, May 5 before the first local derby of the Blowes Clothing Cup season the following Saturday.